Home Care vs. Care Homes
The Difference Between Home Care and a Care Home
The benefits of home care for your loved one
Are you choosing between home care or care homes for yourself or a loved one? Finding care for a family member or friend is an important decision that requires time, research and planning. Despite home care often being the most cost-effective solution, you may still feel stuck choosing between the options available, or you may be in a crisis and need to source care urgently – for example, if your loved one has just been discharged from the hospital. However, there are many differences between the types of care available to consider, and home care vs. care home services is the choice people most often have to make. Regardless of your choice, you should ensure you make a well-informed choice, having explored every option available to you.
What is home care?
Home care describes the care that is provided to you in your own home. This may be that a carer lives with you (live-in care), visits you regularly (visiting care) or provides specialist care, such as or. These care services are tailored to your needs, whether you require assistance with dressing or eating, or need round-the-clock support.
What is it like to have home care?
Depending on whether you opt for, it or other, your home care will be very much like your everyday life. Because with home care, you don’t have to leave your home behind – you can continue on as normal, with the safety that your care needs will still be supported. Scheduled for whenever you need it (day or night) you can expect a friendly face, companionship and lots of help with caring for yourself or your loved one.
What is a care home?
Care homes are providers of accommodation, personal care and support for those who need it. Usually care homes fall into two categories: residential and nursing. Some care homes offer both residential and nursing care, and there are care homes which offer day trips and activities too. It’s important to thoroughly research the care homes you may be considering, as well as the other care options that are available.
What is the difference between a residential home and a nursing home?
A residential home provides accommodation and support with personal care, including things like washing, dressing, taking medication and using the toilet. A nursing home will provide this care too, but there will always be at least one qualified nurse on hand. Sometimes referred to as ‘care homes with nursing’, these homes are specially designed to help those who may have a complex medical condition (which requires the help of a qualified nurse) or severe mental or learning disabilities.
What is it like living in a care home?
In a care home, you’ll have your own bedroom where you can store some personal items and make it feel a little more homely. There are communal areas where you can sit, talk with other residents or engage in the activities put on by the care home. Often mealtimes are planned for you, and visiting times depend on the individual care home. There is sometimes an outdoor area to enjoy too, although not all care homes have this facility and access may depend on your type of care. For example, if your medical needs mean you are unable to move without supervision, you may only be able to use the outdoor facilities if a member of staff is available to help.
Home care vs. care homes
The benefits of home care
For many, the benefits of home care far outweigh those of a care home. Unlike a care home, our home care services provide our service users with one-to-one, person-centred care in the comfort of their own home, as well as help doing the things they enjoy at home. This could be eating their favourite meal, watching a regular TV programme, getting fresh air on a walk or visiting local parks, regardless of what you need, our carers will be there every step of the way. Our customers receive the undivided attention of our carers throughout the duration of their visit, and we provide regular, real-time feedback on how your loved one is getting on.
We use a mobile app which allows family members to log in and view daily notes after each home care visit, giving you peace of mind and a detailed account of each one. As well as delivering personal care, our carers get to know your loved one, including what they like and dislike, and they will ensure that each visit is tailored to your loved one’s wants and needs. If your family member is supported by community care teams, a home carer will play a vital role in ensuring a holistic approach to their care, and can help with things like medication collection and administration, accessing community events and accessing other avenues of support.
Leaving home can be particularly distressing for some people, even more so when this means they have to say goodbye to friends, neighbours and support groups, such as day centres. Alternatively, our home carers are here to ensure our customers can still access these lifelines which are essential in retaining independence and promoting their wellbeing. If you have been considering a care home because your loved one requires continuous care and support, live-in care is a great alternative.
A live-in carer provides one-to-one, round-the-clock, practical and emotional care. They are highly trained in the field of home care and our live-in carers come qualified with experience supporting people in their homes. They help with maintaining a clean and safe living environment, making sure things are done the way your loved one likes. Whether it be cooking their favourite food, or watching their favourite films, our carers provide a kind, caring, and supportive environment for your loved one.
A live-in carer will also help access the community and important support resources, including medical appointments, attending social activities, or simply enjoying the outdoors. At Needs Matter Care, our live-in carers are always delighted to organise trips and activities for our service users, so that they can continue to live life to the fullest. Being able to socialise and enjoy activities freely is another reason why many prefer live-in or visiting care.
Why choose home care with Needs Matter Care Ltd?
At Needs Matter Care Limited, we are proud to offer a home care service that is person-centred, one that’s often preferred over residential care or care homes.
If you would like to find out more about the benefits of home care or home care services can help you or a loved one, please contact us:
Email Us: info@needsmattercare.co.uk
Call our team: 01908506567